In a landmark move underscoring its anti-corruption drive, the Federal Government has announced plans to sell 753 confiscated housing units—once linked to embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele—to Nigerians.
The development was confirmed during a joint site inspection conducted by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.
The seized estate, spanning over 150,000 square metres and comprising luxury duplexes and various apartment types, was officially recovered by the EFCC in December 2024 and recently handed over to the Ministry following a presidential directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is one of the most significant asset recoveries in Nigeria’s history, and we are determined to ensure these assets directly benefit the Nigerian people,” Dangiwa said during the tour of the estate. He revealed that technical assessments and structural integrity tests will begin immediately to ensure the properties meet national standards before being offered to the public.
Once certified, the properties will be made available for purchase through the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Housing Portal, a digital platform aimed at expanding home ownership among Nigerians.
Dangiwa reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability, urging public officials to steer clear of corrupt practices. “The government of the day is serious about fighting corruption,” he stated, while commending the EFCC for what he described as a “landmark recovery.”
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede also addressed reporters at the site, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to transparency. “What many Nigerians saw before were just aerial views of this estate. We brought you here to see that it’s real—this is no fiction,” he said. He added that this estate stands as the largest single asset recovery since the EFCC’s establishment in 2003.
In a legal twist earlier this year, Emefiele attempted to reclaim the property by filing a motion at an FCT High Court, claiming he was unaware of the forfeiture proceedings despite ongoing legal interactions with the EFCC. The court, however, dismissed his application in April 2025, clearing the way for the Federal Government to proceed with the repurposing of the assets.
The housing units are part of the administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit while reinforcing public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
As the process unfolds, both the Housing Ministry and the EFCC have called on Nigerians to support the initiative, encouraging citizens to actively engage with the Renewed Hope Portal for updates and purchasing opportunities.
